(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “tax man” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Celeste Meiffren– Filed Director for the IL Public Interest Research Group

IL PIRG’s report, Representation Without Taxation, shows how some Fortune 500 companies exploit loopholes and distort the tax code to avoid billions of dollars in taxes.  Celeste discusses the report.

Fr. Michael Pfleger- Pastor, The Faith Community of St. Sabina

We hear Fr. Pfleger discuss the topic of race in a 2003 excerpt from the Heartland Chautauqua series at the Heartland Cafe.

Fr. Michael Pfleger

Michael Thompson– Co-founder and Farm Manager of the Chicago Honey Co-Op

We learn about the art of local beekeeping and what’s happening at the Co-Op.

OTL #279 local music provided by Cold Blue Kid…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “always-brewing” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP recently published the crime data from the three police districts slated to close in 2012.  Tracy discusses the data.

The 13th District station that’s closing next year, one of three stations.  Photo courtesy of the Chicago Justice Project.

Shawn King- Owner of Evil Squirrel Comics

This Rogers Park comic shop planned on shutting its doors soon, but the community said “no!”  We learn about the series of “Save the Squirrel” fundraisers happening next week.

Whit Nelson– Co-owner of Brew Camp

Brew Camp is a home brewer’s dream.  We pay a visit to this local brewer’s apothecary near Damen and Lincoln.

Brew Camp.  Photo courtesy of thrillist.com.

OTL #272 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…

Happy Thanksgiving!

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “cheap beer” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Jay Sukow, John Berka, and Todd Wojcik– Writers of Trubadeaux (also, they’re in the film!)

On OTL #216 we went on the set of Trubadeaux: A Restaurant Movie.  A year later that movie is complete.  We hear about the production process and why the guys chose to produce every aspect of the film in Chicago.

Todd Wojcik and John Berka on the set.

Tom Carter- Mike’s bro-in-law

Need a way to spice up the family holiday party this year?  Try a cheap beer taste test!  Tom attended this event and he gives us a recap.

The cheap beer taste test.

Amisha Patel– Executive Director of The Grassroots Collaborative

The Responsible Budget Ordinance was introduced in the Chicago City Council last month.  We learn about this legislation and how it has impacted the discourse of the city’s financial future.

OTL #270 local music provided by the Henhouse Prowlers…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “down with Pizza Hut” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen gets a Chicago Justice Project research update, discusses the future of the old Pizza Hut site on Division and Ashland, and talks Chicago apps that benefit residents.

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP has some new analysis of the Chicago Police Board and the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire Departments.  We discuss what this new research means.

Eleanor Mayer- Program Manager of Special Service Area #33 in Wicker Park

We’ve all seen the abandoned Pizza Hut on the corner of Division and Ashland in Wicker Park.  It’s finally gone and now the question of what to put in its place remains.  We discuss the future of this property.

The old Pizza Hut Site on Division and Ashland.

Katie Auerbach– Project Manager of the Apps For Metro Chicago contest

There is an ongoing competition happening in the city where participants create apps using data provided by local governments and agencies.  We get the lowdown on how these apps benefit Chicagoans.

OTL #258 local music provided by About the Mess…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “keepin’ it real on a canoe” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen, having just returned from a canoe trip on the Wisconsin River, plays some great conversations from past shows.

Tune in to hear a conversation about rethinking the El, a visit to the first Bloomingdale Trail access park, and Anne Elizabeth Moore talking about her latest art project.

The breakfast of champions while camping on the Wisconsin River.

Tune in next week for a brand new edition of the show!

OTL #256 local music provided by Architecture…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “geeked-out” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen discusses Chicago Police resource allocation, spins a local song about Mayor Daley, and checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek at a police station.

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The CJP takes a look at the allocation of resources for the Chicago Police Department.  Tracy talks about this issue as well has his difficulty obtaining research data from the department.  You can find out more about his experience here.

Daley: The “Good Old Boss”–

The local band Baby Teeth recently completed a new EP called BOSS.  Mike spins a track off the record that’s all about Mayor Daley.

The Parking Ticket Geek – Blogger at The Expired Meter and OTL Official Parking Correspondent

We check in with Mr. Geek to talk about Chicago’s high gas prices, congested traffic, and see how the Geek’s Driver Survival Seminars are going.

OTL #227 local music provided by Baby Teeth…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “working class” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen discusses the local media portrayal of violence in Chicago, previews the Chicago Underground Library’s benefit, and goes inside the future home of the Haymarket Pub in the West Loop.

What’s in a name?– 

Recently, Independent candidate for Cook Co. Assessor, Forrest Claypool, purchased JoeBerrios.com.  Berrios is Claypool’s opponent in the race.  Have you purchased your name’s site?  Looks like MichaelStephen.com is up and running already.  Apparently they have good eats!

Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

In this blog post, Tracy analyzes local media portrayal of Chicago violence.  He discusses the conclusions of his analysis this week.

Nell Taylor– Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library

This non-profit organization collects all independent and small press media in Chicago.  They’re having a benefit coming up on August 27th.  We get the details.

John Neurauter, Pete Crowley, and Chris Buccheri– The Triumvirate Behind the Haymarket Pub & Brewery

We go inside the space that will soon house Chicago’s newest brewpub with an interactive and working class feel.

The Future Home of the Haymarket Pub and Brewery

OTL #204 local music provided by Joel Paterson/The Modern Sounds…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “mayoral in stature” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen recaps his experience on the YMTE podcast, talks to a Chicago mayoral candidate, checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek, and discusses the relationship between low-power FM radio and social justice.

Jay Stone– Candidate for Mayor of Chicago

In an exclusive interview Jay tells us why he’s running to be Chicago’s next mayor.

The Parking Ticket Geek– Official OTL Parking Correspondent and Blogger at thexpiredmeter.com

The Geek returns to the show to discuss the rise of ticketing for drivers using their cell phones in the car.

Allan Gomez– Co-Founder of Radios Populares

This Chicago-based group uses radio to help communities who are struggling for social justice.

OTL #202 local music provided by Lasers and Fast and Shit…

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)

(broadcasting on the “free speech” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen chats with a local artist who is fighting local laws he feels are unconstitutional, previews the 2010 Printers’ Ball, and goes inside Felony Franks, a hot dog stand in West Town with some controversy.

Chris Drew– Local artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Art Center

Chris continues to challenge Chicago’s peddlers license and Illinois’ eavesdropping law.  We get the latest on his legal fight.

Fred Sasaki– Associate Editor for POETRY Magazine

We get a preview of this year’s Printers’ Ball and discuss the relationship between print and digital media.

Jim Andrews– Owner of Felony Franks

This hot dog stand on the corner of Western and Jackson has caused some controversy in the community.  We go inside to find out what all the fuss is about.

OTL #201 local music provided by Icy Demons…

(broadcasting on the “Klingon-friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)

Mike Stephen talks local justice-related issues, plugs a comprehensive list of Chicago digital media, and learns about a unique production of a holiday classic that is making it’s way to the Windy City.

Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project

The OTL Justice Correspondent returns to discuss some of the issues the CJP is working on, including rollbacks of the IL Freedom of Information Act.

Surfing Digital Local Digital Media–

Our friends over at the Windy Citizen started a conversation about local blogs, podcasts and iPhone apps.  In the process a great resource of local digital media was created.  Check it out!

Christopher Kidder – Artistic Director of the Commedia Beauregard Theatre Company

This Minnesota-based theater company is working on bringing A Klingon Christmas Carol to Chicago.  Yeah, you read that right!  Chris gives us the details.  Check out CB’s Kickstarter site for info on how YOU can help bring this show to the Windy City!

A Scene from A Klingon Christmas Carol

OTL #183 local music provided by the Northside Southpaws..